A time for Rosé and more…
There’s hot weather now in Vancouver, 29 – 32’C. Summer has arrived and its time for Rosé on the patio.
The local wine store recommends a Pays d’Oc rosé from southern France: “best value at under $20.00 Cdn”. The bold pink label and casual script for the name appeals to the summer senses: Le Jaja de Jau 13.5 % ALC/VOL.
Good for a glass before dinner sitting out on the patio overlooking Burrard Inlet; the blue of the water, the green of the trees, the pinks and reds of the flowers all mix with the sound of the hummingbirds as well as the chickadees enjoying the birdbath – converging in an evening Son et Lumière! So often the best time of day.
Although it’s Rosé time, we choose a different French wine, a red Bordeaux, to enjoy with a small fillet steak that we share for dinner. Onions, garlic, mushrooms and several vegetables complete the picture. We chose a Bordeaux I had bought in 2021 when the 2018 Bordeaux wines were released to the Vancouver market: Chateau Moulin Haut-Laroque, Fronsac. (14.5% ALC by VOL).
Wine Spectator magazine was quoted in the BC Liquor Store Guide as giving this wine 91 points with the following description: “Juicy and compact, with red currant and black cherry fruit trying to burst out while light savoury, singed cedar and floral notes dart through. Light chalky thread on the finish, which isn’t dense, but does have ample energy. Very engaging. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Drink now through 2028.” (Ref: BC Liquor Stores: 2018 Bordeaux Release.).
Fronsac is an area and appellation contrôlée (AC) on the right bank of the Gironde estuary, known for excellent value for the red wines of Bordeaux. Here hillside vineyards are planted predominantly with merlot, which is the lead variety in this Bordeaux blend from Chateau Moulin Haut-Laroque.
The wine was perfect with or without the steak. Love the Wine Spectator description; the rich dark colour of the wine was noteworthy.
For me, there’s something deeply satisfying about enjoying a glass of a good Bordeaux wine. It’s a moment to enjoy all the characteristics of the wine.
Enjoy the season!
Elizabethsvines
With appreciation to the BC Liquor Store for their excellent wine guides.
Chateau Moulin Haut-Laroque: wwwmoulinhautlaroque.com
Chateau de Jau: chateaudejau.com
